T&T: Rewiring Questions

[Dan Winchester]

I have a question on rewiring an older vessel that some of you might be able
to give me some insight into.  This 1978 Tolly is getting new distribution
panels, both AC and DC.  They will be located next to the helm where the
current distribution panel is located.

The New DC panel has a negative bus on the panel whereas the old panel does
not have a negative bus anywhere near it. The negative bus for almost all
circuits is currently located in a distribution box in the engine room.  The
negative conductor from the batteries to this negative buss uses a much more
direct rout then a negative buss at the helm distribution panel.  The
current wires from the current helm distribution panel go first to the
engine room distribution box where they go through terminal blocks and then
off to their final destination.

The question is, should I stay with the original configuration or should I
add a new negative conductor from the battery to the new helm distribution
panel and do away with the distribution box in the engine room. If I stay
with the original configuration I will be able to reuse a lot more of the
existing wiring most of which is in excellent condition.


Dan Winchester
<www.dwinchester.com>
Portland, Oregon